Page 39 of My Big, Fat, Fake Billionaire Wedding

As we turn to walk back down the aisle, Gideon’s hand finds the small of my back, warm and solid. I should pull away. I should maintain distance. Instead, I lean slightly into his touch, telling myself it’s just for show.

The reception is mercifully brief. Champagne and canapés in a private dining room. Lucy chatters excitedly about the ceremony while Gideon makes business small talk with some of the guests.

Champagne flute in hand, Lucy turns to me. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I force a smile. “I’m fine. Just hit me that I’m actually married.”

“To one of New York’s most eligible bachelors,” she adds. “A man who, might I add, couldn’t take his eyes off you during that ceremony.” She lowers her voice. “Seriously, Ava, what’s going on? You’ve been acting weird all day. This should be the happiest moment of your life.”

I twist the very real ring on my finger. “It is. It’s just... so fast.”

“You said that already!” She exclaims. “But that’s what happens when you fall in love, apparently.” She studies me over the rim of her glass. “Itislove, right? You’re not pregnant or something?”

“Lucy!” I hiss, my face flaming.

“Just checking! People don’t usually get married after a week unless there’s a bun in the oven or they’re completely, madly in love.”

When Lucy excuses herself to use the ladies room, I sip champagne alone, watching my new husband navigate the roomwith ease.

Yourtemporaryhusband,I remind myself.Your business partner with benefits. Wait, no. Not with benefits. That’s not part of the deal.

“Congratulations,” Jonas says, suddenly appearing at my side. His tone is pleasant but his eyes are assessing.

“Thank you,” I reply, forcing a smile. “It all came together nicely, considering the timeline.”

“Gideon is efficient when he wants something.” Jonas swirls his champagne. “Though I must admit, this is extreme even for him.”

I take another sip, unsure how to respond. Does Jonas know the truth?

“I hope you know what you’re getting into,” he adds, his voice lower.

So hedoesknow.

I feel another pang of guilt for not letting Lucy in on this.

My grip tightens on the delicate flute. “I believe the terms were quite clear.”

Jonas studies me for a moment. “Terms change. Circumstances change.” He glances at Gideon, who’s now speaking with Dean. “People rarely do.”

Before I can decipher this cryptic warning, Gideon joins us, sliding an arm around my waist with casual possessiveness.

“Sharing marriage advice already, cousin?” His tone is light but there’s an edge underneath.

“Just welcoming Ava to the family,” Jonas replies smoothly, raising his glass. “To the happy couple.”

We clink glasses, the sound bright and brittle in the hushed room.

Later, as the small gathering winds down, I find myself standing alone by the windows, looking out at the Manhattan skyline. The lights blur together.

Mrs. King. I’m Mrs. King now. For six months, at least.

The weight of the ring on my finger feels strange. It’s a symbol of commitment that’s been perverted into a business strategy. I twist it absently, watching the diamond catch the light.

“Having second thoughts already?” Gideon’s voice startles me.

I turn to find him standing close. Too close. His presence is overwhelming in the small alcove.

“Just processing,” I reply honestly. “It’s a lot to take in.”

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